The 15 greatest moments in Grand Slam tennis – ranked
15 iconic moments
Grand Slam tennis is where legends are born and history is etched into the hearts of fans. From impossible comebacks to moments of pure magic, here are the 15 greatest moments from Grand Slam history that we haven't been able to forget.
15. Ashleigh Barty emulates her hero at Wimbledon (2021)
Ashleigh Barty became a national hero after her incredible Wimbledon win in 2021 – the first Australian woman to do so since Evonne Goolagong Cawley last did in 1980. Growing up, Goolagong was one of Barty's biggest idols growing, and to match this feat was nothing short of a "miracle," as the BBC reported.
14. Rafael Nadal’s mastery at Roland Garros (2008)
In what many consider his finest performance, Nadal obliterated Roger Federer in the 2008 French Open final, dropping only four games. It was a defining moment of clay-court dominance, and a pretty rough day for the 'Fed Express'.
Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!
13. Roger Federer’s first Wimbledon title (2003)
But you shouldn't feel too bad for Federer, he's definitely had his moments over the years, and the Federer era began with an elegant bang. His first Wimbledon win in 2003 was a masterclass of grace and power, laying the foundation for an all-time great career.
12. Andy Murray ends Britain’s Wimbledon drought (2013)
Speaking of Wimbledon droughts, seventy-seven years of heartbreak came to a glorious end when Andy Murray clinched the Wimbledon title. In a straight-sets victory over Novak Djokovic, Murray lifted an entire nation’s spirits and made history on Centre Court.
11. Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal: The Australian Open marathon final (2012)
Nearly six hours of relentless brilliance. Djokovic outlasted Nadal in the longest Grand Slam final ever, proving he had the stamina, grit, and nerve to go down in history. This wasn’t just tennis; it was an all-time war of wills.
10. Rafael Nadal’s record-tying 20th Grand Slam (2020)
At Roland Garros, Nadal once again showed why he’s the undisputed King of Clay. Tying Roger Federer’s record of 20 Grand Slam titles with a flawless display against Djokovic, Nadal left fans in awe of his dominance. While he's since won two more Slams and Djokovic has well and truly set a new a record, this was an incredible moment.
9. Monica Seles’ return to Grand Slam glory (1996)
After an on-court attack derailed her career, Monica Seles’s Australian Open triumph in 1996 was a testament to resilience and heart. Her return to the top is one of tennis’s most inspiring stories.
8. Federer vs. Roddick: The marathon Wimbledon final (2009)
Andy Roddick’s serve was on fire, but Roger Federer’s resolve was hotter. In a five-set thriller that ended 16-14 in the final set, Federer claimed his 15th major, surpassing Pete Sampras’s record and cementing his legacy.
7. Martina Navratilova’s record 9th Wimbledon title (1990)
Nine titles at the All England Club. Martina Navratilova’s unmatched dominance at Wimbledon is a record that might never be broken, standing as a testament to her brilliance and longevity.
Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!
6. Steffi Graf’s Golden Slam (1988)
This wasn't so much of a moment but a whole year of Slams. Steffi Graf didn’t just win every Grand Slam in 1988 – she added Olympic gold to the mix. The Golden Slam is a feat so extraordinary that it’s unlikely anyone will ever replicate it.
5. Goran Ivanišević wins Wimbledon as a wild card (2001)
Goran Ivanišević’s Wimbledon fairy tale is the stuff dreams are made of. Ranked 125th and given a wild card, the big-serving Croatian conquered Pat Rafter in an emotional five-set final that had the whole tennis world cheering.
4. Sampras vs. Agassi: U.S. Open quarterfinal classic (2001)
No service breaks, no let-up, and nothing but jaw-dropping tennis. Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi lit up the U.S. Open quarterfinals in a match that will forever be etched as one of the sport’s finest. Sampras walked away the winner, but both legends shone brightly that night.
3. Serena Williams wins her historic 23rd Grand Slam while pregnant (2017)
Winning a Grand Slam is hard enough, winning 23 is something else. But even more than that, Serena Williams was actually two months pregnant when she claimed her record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam win at the Australia Open in 2017, as reported by Forbes at the time. And to go just one further – it was a win that denied her sister Venus her chance to finally win the Oz Open.
2. Björn Borg vs. John McEnroe: The tiebreak heard round the world (1980)
In the famous fire and ice showdown, the 1980 Wimbledon final’s fourth-set tiebreak ended 18-16 in McEnroe’s favour, but Borg won the match in the fifth set. This clash of personalities and styles remains one of the most iconic moments in tennis history.
1. Federer vs. Nadal: The greatest match ever played (2008)
A nearly five-hour rollercoaster that ended in the twilight hours of Wimbledon. Nadal edged Federer 9-7 in the fifth set to win his first Wimbledon title, and fans were left with a match that redefined what greatness looks like.
Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!
More for you
Top Stories
1
2
3
4
5
